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Is It Possible?

Help!!!

Is it possible for a pair of Quad63 sounds better than a pair of Focal Utopia Scala I?  I am was using the Scala in my system and was very happy with the overall result, except for an occasionally bright sound on certain recordings.  I recently bought a pair of non-working Quad63 at a garage sale for $250, had them serviced for about $650.  I was going to use the quad in my office for background music, but I decided to have a A/B test against my beloved Scala.  I almost fell of my chair when heard what came out of the Quad. The vocals and the instruments just came alive, especially the female's voice.  The only advantage I gave to the Scala was the soundstage, which is wider and a little deeper than the Quad.  How can this be?  What am I doing wrong with the Scala?  How can a pair of $900 speakers sounds much better, in my opinion, than a pair of speakers that cost me almost $25,000?

myaudio168
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
2,164 posts
 
not as simple as that...and I own a pair of ESL63.... but yes you got a steal especially refurbishment for $650.... it typically starts at $2 k
but never the less, welcome to magic midrange....

ultimate slam, spl, low bass better left to other toys...but I guess you are smitten....


philjolet's avatar
philjolet
2,262 posts
 
no one that is familiar with Quads is surprised
murphythecat
98 posts
 
where have you had them serviced for 650$?
myaudio168 OP
14 posts
 
My friend drop them off for me in Sacramento.  Don't get me wrong, I still like the Focal, but just not as much. 
shadorne's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
shadorne
7,333 posts
 
If you are looking for something that combines what you like about both your speakers then definitely try to audition ATC (especially those with the 3” mid range). The design goal of ATC is almost entirely based on the sound of Quad electrostatic. The aim of the design was to reproduce the super clean and clear Quad sound (super low distortion and no resonances) but with greater dynamic range, bass extension and higher SPL.

Many longtime electrostatic fans moved to ATC like Gordon Holt, Stereophile. Sometimes you can have your cake and eat it too!

BTW I am familiar with the Focal Utopia Scala and it is an excellent speaker but for sure the Quad will have easily alerted you to what you are missing.


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